Caracas Travel Forum

I moved from Venezuela some 15 years ago and now visit every 2 or 3 yaers...
I hear the highway from the airport and the city is very dangerous at night if arriving by/near midnight...

Is it better to stay at a hotel near the airport and then continue to Caracas in daylight?

I also hear that you should book your car service in advance and rather not do it at the airport...

is is that bad now?

Last but not least my family lives in San Jose, whih used to be middle class at teh time I grew up...
I hear that San Jose and or El Silencio are very unsafe now and that you should take taxis and avoid walking on teh street even during daylight...

We faced the exact same delemma as you during a visit a couple years ago. When we arrived at the airport, a recommended taxi kiosk was closed and we had to bargain for a taxi at the curb. The highway is dangerous but then so is the town around the airport. We didn't like the first taxi, but then a shiny black SUV taxi (unmarked) became available. Take the black SUV taxis to and from Caracas. They are more expensive but the service is safe and reliable. Your old neighborhood probably hasn't changed nearly as much as you imagine. Stay low key, don't look like a tourist, and have the family/friends there take care of you. You'll be OK and have a good time.

I had to take a taxi from the airport really late at night (after 11 pm) and also ended up taking one after dark when I returned to the airport, at about 7. Things were fine, even after my taxi driver decided to drive through a barrio on the way back to avoid that crazy fallen bridge traffic (not telling me ahead of time, which was a bit of a scare). I'd say call a taxi company and have somebody pick you up.

I had to take a taxi from the airport really late at night (after 11 pm) and also ended up taking one after dark when I returned to the airport, at about 7. Things were fine, even after my taxi driver decided to drive through a barrio on the way back to avoid that crazy fallen bridge traffic (not telling me ahead of time, which was a bit of a scare). I'd say call a taxi company and have somebody pick you up.